Employment FAQs

How do I apply?

You will be required to complete an online application form which will request the following information:

Full name.

Residential address.

Contact telephone number.

Full details of all education and academic qualifications and any specialised training.

Immigration status including work permit and passport details and country of origin. (You may be asked to bring copies of your passport to an interview.)

Drivers licence details including what classes. (You may be asked to bring copies of your drivers licence to an interview.)

Details of present and previous employment.

Interests and involvement in activities other than those associated with employment.

The names of, and means of contacting, three referees.

Such other information that might assist in determining the applicant’s suitability.

You will also be asked to upload your cover letter and curriculum vitae, so please have these documents ready.

Any supporting documentation you think will support your application however, if specific information is required by the Council (e.g. art portfolio) you will be asked to forward that or bring it to an interview if you are shortlisted. You may also be asked to bring in your drivers licence or passport.

Any applicant canvassing any elected member of the Council or of any community board shall automatically be disqualified from appointment; provided that this shall not preclude any applicant from nominating any such elected member as a referee.

What is the best way to submit my application?

Our preferred method of receiving an application is online, and all acknowledgements will be in email.

What happens if I don't have a computer?

There is free computer access at Puke Ariki and all community libraries. If you are still unable to submit your application online via our website please contact the People and Wellbeing team.

What happens once I submit an application?

Once you submit your application you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application. We aim to communicate the outcome to applicants within five working days of the closing date. If you are unsuccessful in being shortlisted you will be notified via email.

How are applications shortlisted?

The recruitment panel will check that your application meets the job criteria – skills, experience qualifications and competencies required to carry out the role. If the application meets the criteria then it will be placed on the shortlist of potential candidates. If you are shortlisted you will be contacted by our People and Wellbeing team to arrange an interview time.

What is involved in the recruitment process for shortlisted applicants?

You will also be asked to attend an interview with a panel – usually the manager who the position reports to and two others. This process may also include a personality profile questionnaire, ability tests and possibly a practical test related specifically to the position you have applied for.

This process can take from a few days to a couple of weeks from the time a shortlist is developed depending on candidate and panel availability.

Where are the interviews held?

Usually at the Civic Centre, Liardet Street, New Plymouth. They are sometimes held at other sites such as Puke Ariki, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, Pukekura Park Office or the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre. For candidates living outside the region, interviews can be online via Skype.

What happens after an interview?

The recruitment panel will contact your referees for further information about you if you are one of the preferred candidates. You may be contacted by the People and Wellbeing team to discuss your personality profile and testing results (if applicable).

If you are successful, then a verbal offer of employment will be made, followed by an offer in writing, which will be subject to you passing a required employment medical assessment before starting with the Council.

If you are unsuccessful in being offered a position, you will be notified by one of the recruitment panel members who interviewed you.

Can I provide my references after my interview?

Yes – the panel will ask if they can contact your referees at the interview and will ask for the details if they have not already been provided.

What is the Engineering New Zealand Professional Development Programme?

Engineering New Zealand (Engineering New Zealand Professional Development Partner) is the professional body which represents professional engineers from all disciplines in New Zealand. They partner with engineering employers, such as us, to provide support and development for their members.